Voronezh’s theatres have refreshed classic children’s tales for the New Year season, presenting three family productions that combine modern staging, lively music and topical touches. Two shows at the Voronezh Youth Theatre (TYuZ) and one at the Koltsov Drama Theatre aim to be more than one-off holiday attractions and could remain on the bill beyond the festivities.
Russian theatres modernise children’s fairy tales
At TYuZ the company will present two musical pieces during the holiday period: Terem-Terem-Teremok, aimed at very young children, and The Flying Ship, designed for school-age audiences. Terem-Terem-Teremok is a contemporary adaptation of a folk tale that relies on simple but imaginative staging—soft cubes that transform into a forest or a house—while introducing recognisable social types such as bullies and smooth-talking tricksters. The production stresses mutual support and the role of a wise adult as solutions to childhood dilemmas. Actor Oleg Stolpovsky, a decorated regional artist, wrote the adaptation, composed the music and penned the songs.
The Flying Ship is a musical built around songs from the Soviet cartoon, with lyrics by Yuri Entin and music by Maxim Dunaevsky. The show features bright costumes and sets that reference traditional Russian chintz fabrics. Dmitry Belyakov, who has collaborated with the Moscow-based Teatrium on Serpukhovka, adapted the piece for TYuZ, adding topical elements: caricatured foreign suitors whose mercantile mannerisms will read as satire for adults, a resourceful Russian hero who embodies respect for manual skill, and jibes at officials who move funds overseas while outsourcing production. The staging includes fresh arrangements, dance numbers, live singing and acrobatics, and the company’s customary audience interaction, which gives the production energy and the potential to become a regular title.
At the Koltsov Drama Theatre the family musical Tsar Gorokh and the Rejuvenating Apples, based on Vladimir Ilyukhov’s tale, adopts an exuberant, broadly comic approach while keeping fully realised character work. The story pits superhero-like Alesha and a hapless Ivan-tsarevich against a long-ruling villain who hoards youth-giving apples. The director resisted a merely surface-level treatment and instead encouraged detailed development of each comic figure. Costumes and sets lean into playful simplicity—polka dots and sliding doors—yet performers sustain their roles through physically demanding ensemble scenes choreographed by company actor Igor Boldyshev.
Both theatres balance child-friendly humour with references that will land with adults: nods to Soviet fairy-tale films, contemporary pop culture and winter television variety shows. Musical and lyrical choices draw on a wide range of popular styles, offering melodies that are likely to stick with young audiences long after they leave the auditorium.
Critically, the productions show how regional theatres can renew traditional material without losing its heart. By combining interactive elements, contemporary humour and professional musical theatre craft, Voronezh’s theatres have produced holiday entertainment that entertains children while offering adults layered, satirical touches. With ensemble strength, vivid costuming and energetic staging, these shows stand a reasonable chance of staying in the repertoire beyond the New Year season.
Key Takeaways:
- Three new family productions in Voronezh signal a fresh direction for seasonal repertoire.
- Russian theatres modernise children’s fairy tales with updated music, costumes and interactive staging.
- Productions balance playful elements for children with topical satire and strong theatrical craftsmanship.
